Answer.
APPROACH AND STRUCTURE
Introduction:
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- Definition of Cabinet System and Parliamentary Supremacy.
BODY
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- Increased Executive Power.
- Impact on Parliamentary Functions.
- Specific Mechanisms.
- Consequences.
Conclusion:
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- Emphasize the need to recalibrate the system to ensure effective governance and uphold democratic principles.
INTRODUCTION:
The cabinet system is a form of government where executive power is exercised by a group of ministers, known as the cabinet, who are collectively responsible to the legislature. The cabinet is accountable to the parliament, which can exercise oversight through various mechanisms like debates, questions, and confidence votes.
BODY:
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- Increased Use of Ordinances: The frequent use of ordinances has bypassed regular parliamentary processes. Between 2014 and 2024, the government issued an average of 10 ordinances per year, compared to 5 per year during 2009-2014. D.C. Wadhwa vs State of Bihar (1987) criticized the excessive re-promulgation of ordinances.
- Decline in Parliamentary Debates: The quality and quantity of parliamentary debates have diminished in recent In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024), about 69% of the bills introduced were passed in the same session, indicating limited time for thorough scrutiny and debate. The average time spent debating bills has reduced by 40% over the last decade, with some critical bills passed in minutes.
- Frequent Use of Money Bills: Article 110 defines a Money Bill only requiring Lok Sabha’s approval. The Supreme Court has flagged concerns about the misuse of Money Bills, questioning the dilution of parliamentary checks.
- Reduced Role of Parliamentary Committees: The number of bills referred to parliamentary committees has significantly decreased. During the 14th Lok Sabha, 60% of bills were referred to committees, which dropped to just 27% in recent This trend reduces the depth of legislative scrutiny.
- Centralization of Power in Cabinet and Prime Minister’s Office: Over time, power has concentrated in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), marginalizing parliamentary influence. The PMO has taken unilateral decisions like the 2023 Agnipath Scheme, with little parliamentary discussion or consultation.
- Weakening Role of Opposition: Opposition parties have struggled to hold the government accountable due to reduced debate time and walkouts. In the respective sessions of 2023-24, opposition parties raised concerns over the Manipur violence, but discussions were limited, reflecting a weakened parliamentary discourse.
A record 146 MPs were suspended in the winter session of Parliament 2023, an unprecedented figure in the Indian Parliament’s history.
In the Rajya Sabha, almost 50% of the Opposition strength was depleted due to suspensions.
- Executive Control over Legislative endeavor: The cabinet controls the parliamentary agenda, limiting the opportunity for private member bills and opposition-led discussions. No private member’s bill has been passed in the 17th Lok Sabha.
- Delegated Legislation: Increasing reliance on delegated legislation has shifted law- making power from Parliament to the The Supreme Court noted this trend as reducing Parliament’s supremacy in law-making.
- Erosion of Question Hour: The Question Hour, a crucial tool for parliamentary oversight, has been frequently curtailed.
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CONCLUSION:
The cabinet system has streamlined decision-making, but it has come at the cost of reduced parliamentary scrutiny and debate. Recalibrating the system of checks and balances to ensure effective governance is quintessential for maintaining the essence of parliamentary democracy.
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